PM urges Panchayat members to work with a five year vision

In his remarks at a function in New Delhi to mark National Panchayati Raj Day, the Prime Minister hailed the contribution of women in the functioning of Panchayats across the country, and called for an end to the practice of "husbands of female Sarpanches" - "Sarpanch Pati" - exercising undue influence.

The Prime Minister urged Panchayat members to instil pride about the village.

He said this required a firm resolve, rather than any budgetary provision.

He gave some suggestions in this regard, such as celebrating a birthday of the village.

He said issues such as education of children in the village, and vaccination for children, should be paid special attention to, by Panchayat members.

The Prime Minister urged Panchayat members to motivate all Government officials in their village to spend at least one hour a week with schoolchildren of the village.

The Prime Minister gave away the Annual Devolution Index (States) Awards, and E-Panchayat Awards, and congratulated the Zila Parishads and Gram Panchayats who were being felicitated on the occasion.

The Union Minister for Panchayati Raj, Chaudhary Birender Singh, and the MoS Panchayati Raj Shri Nihal Chand were present on the occasion.